The Complete Guide to Envirofill Turf Infill

Choosing the right infill is one of the most important decisions you will make when installing synthetic turf. Infill affects how your turf looks, feels, drains, and smells for years after installation. Among the options available today, Envirofill turf infill stands out as the premium choice for homeowners, landscapers, and installers who want long-term performance without the drawbacks of traditional infill materials.

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This guide covers everything you need to know about Envirofill, including what makes it different from other infill types, which mesh size is right for your project, how to install it properly, and why it has become the go-to infill for pet owners, families, and commercial turf applications.

What Is Envirofill Turf Infill?

Envirofill is a coated sand infill made from naturally round quartz granules that are permanently infused with Microban antimicrobial technology. Unlike raw silica sand or recycled rubber crumb, Envirofill is engineered specifically for synthetic turf systems. The durable acrylic coating locks in the antimicrobial protection and gives the granules their distinctive emerald green color, allowing them to blend seamlessly with artificial grass fibers.

The Microban coating is not a surface treatment that wears off over time. It is built into the material during manufacturing, which means the antimicrobial protection remains active for the full lifespan of the infill. This is why Envirofill products carry a 16-year warranty on coating and color durability.

Envirofill serves multiple functions inside a synthetic turf system:

• Ballast and stability – The weight of the infill holds the turf in place, preventing shifting, wrinkling, and lifting in wind
• Fiber support – Infill keeps turf blades upright and prevents them from matting down under foot traffic
• UV protection – A proper layer of infill shields the turf’s primary backing from prolonged UV exposure, extending the life of the entire system
• Drainage – The round shape of Envirofill granules promotes consistent water flow without compacting or locking together
• Odor control – Microban technology disrupts the bacteria that convert pet urine into ammonia, attacking odor at its source

Envirofill vs. Other Turf Infill Types

Understanding how Envirofill compares to the alternatives will help you see why professionals recommend it for most residential and commercial installations. The table below provides a quick side-by-side comparison of the four most common infill materials.

Feature	Envirofill	Rubber Crumb	Silica Sand	Zeolite
Antimicrobial Protection	Built-in Microban (permanent)	None	None	None
Odor Control	Prevents bacteria that cause odor	None; traps urine	None	Absorbs temporarily; saturates
Heat Retention	Low; stays cooler	High; absorbs and retains heat	Moderate	Low to moderate
Compaction Resistance	Excellent (round granules)	Moderate	Poor (angular particles lock together)	Poor (breaks into dust)
Drainage	Excellent; consistent over time	Good initially; degrades	Declines as sand compacts	Declines as material breaks down
Warranty	16 years (coating and color)	Varies; typically none	None	None
Safe for Pets and Children	Yes; non-toxic, lead-free	Concerns about off-gassing	Yes (inert material)	Yes
Replacement Frequency	None during turf lifespan	Partial top-offs needed	Top-offs every 2-3 years	Full replacement when saturated

Envirofill vs. Rubber Infill

Recycled rubber crumb infill (often called crumb rubber or SBR) is made from ground-up tires. It is the least expensive infill option, but it comes with significant trade-offs. Rubber infill absorbs and retains heat, making turf surfaces dangerously hot on sunny days. It can produce a noticeable rubber smell, especially in warm climates, and some homeowners have concerns about off-gassing and chemical leaching.

Rubber infill also lacks any antimicrobial properties, which means bacteria can accumulate freely. For pet areas and dog runs, this leads to persistent odor problems that intensify over time.

Envirofill addresses all of these issues. It stays cooler than rubber, produces no chemical smell, and its built-in Microban protection actively fights the bacteria responsible for pet urine odor. While Envirofill costs more per bag, the long-term performance difference is substantial.

Envirofill vs. Silica Sand

Uncoated silica sand is affordable and widely available, but it compacts over time. As angular sand particles lock together, they create a hard, uneven surface that inhibits drainage and makes the turf feel stiff underfoot. Compacted sand also fails to support turf fibers properly, accelerating the matting process.

Envirofill’s naturally round granule shape resists compaction entirely. The particles roll against each other rather than interlocking, which maintains consistent drainage and a softer feel year after year. The antimicrobial coating is an additional layer of protection that plain silica sand simply cannot offer.

Envirofill vs. Zeolite Infill

Zeolite is a mineral-based infill marketed for odor absorption. While zeolite can temporarily trap ammonia molecules, its absorption capacity is limited and eventually saturates, requiring replacement. Zeolite also tends to break down into dust over time, creating a chalky residue on turf surfaces.

Envirofill takes a fundamentally different approach to odor control. Rather than trying to absorb odor after it forms, Microban technology prevents the bacterial process that creates ammonia in the first place. This proactive approach does not lose effectiveness over time because the antimicrobial agent is embedded in the coating permanently.

Envirofill Mesh Sizes: 12-20 vs. 30-50

Envirofill is available in two mesh sizes, and choosing the right one depends on your turf type and application. Both variants include the same Microban antimicrobial coating, the same 16-year warranty, and the same emerald green color.

Envirofill 12-20 Mesh

The 12-20 mesh is the standard choice for most landscape and residential applications. The granules are slightly larger, which makes them ideal for turf products with pile heights of 1 inch or more. This mesh size settles evenly between turf fibers, provides excellent drainage, and offers a comfortable feel underfoot.

Best applications: residential lawns, front yards and backyards, pet areas, general landscaping

Envirofill 30-50 Mesh

The 30-50 mesh uses finer granules designed for denser, shorter-pile turf systems. The smaller particle size fills tighter spaces more effectively and creates a smoother, more uniform surface. This makes it the preferred choice for putting greens, sports courts, and high-traffic commercial installations where turf fibers are packed more densely.

Best applications: putting greens, bocce courts, sports training areas, high-traffic commercial turf

How to Choose the Right Mesh Size

A simple guideline: match your infill mesh size to your turf’s pile height and density. For turf with pile heights above 1 inch and standard fiber density, go with 12-20 mesh. For short-pile, dense turf systems like putting greens or sports surfaces, choose 30-50 mesh. When in doubt, consult your turf manufacturer’s infill recommendations for your specific product.

How Much Envirofill Do You Need?

Getting the right amount of infill is critical. Too little leaves your turf fibers unsupported and your backing exposed to UV damage. Too much buries the fibers and makes the surface feel hard and unnatural.

The general recommendation is a ratio of 3/8 to 1/2 inch of Envirofill for every 1 inch of pile height. This translates to approximately 2 to 3.5 pounds of Envirofill per square foot for every inch of pile height.

Quick calculation example: For a 500-square-foot lawn with 1.5-inch pile height turf, you would need approximately 1,500 to 2,625 pounds of Envirofill (30 to 53 bags at 50 pounds each). These are estimates; always verify quantities with your turf manufacturer’s specifications for your specific product.

After installation, the infill level should sit about 3/8 to 1/2 inch below the tips of the turf fibers. This allows the blades to stand upright naturally while keeping the infill protected from displacement.

How to Install Envirofill

Proper installation ensures your infill performs as designed for the full 16-year warranty period. Follow these steps after your turf has been secured, seamed, and the surface is ready for infill. If you have not laid your turf yet, read the step-by-step artificial turf installation guide first.

Step 1: Prepare the Surface

Rake or power broom across the entire turf surface so that the grass blades are as vertical as possible. This helps the infill settle evenly between fibers rather than sitting on top of them.

Step 2: Apply the First Pass

Using a drop spreader, apply a thin, even layer of Envirofill across the turf. Work in one direction, slightly overlapping each pass to avoid gaps. Do not attempt to apply the full amount in a single pass. Multiple thin applications produce a much more even result.

Step 3: Brush and Settle

After each application pass, use a power broom or stiff-bristle push broom to work the infill down between the turf fibers. Brushing against the grain of the turf helps the granules settle to the base. For larger installations, a power broom dramatically reduces the time and effort required.

Step 4: Repeat Until You Reach Target Depth

Apply additional passes, brushing after each one, until the infill reaches the recommended depth (3/8 to 1/2 inch below fiber tips). Check the depth in multiple locations across the installation to ensure consistency.

Step 5: Final Inspection

Walk the entire surface and look for low spots or areas where fibers appear buried. Add or redistribute infill as needed. Water the surface lightly to help the Envirofill settle into its final position.

Tools You Will Need

For a full list of supplies, see the artificial turf accessories guide.

• Drop spreader (broadcast spreaders scatter infill unevenly and waste material)
• Power broom or stiff push broom
• Utility knife (to open bags)
• Safety goggles (recommended when pouring and spreading)
• Measuring tape or depth gauge (to check infill level)

Why Envirofill Is the Best Infill for Pet Turf

Pet urine odor is the number one complaint among synthetic turf owners who skip antimicrobial infill. Here is why it happens: when urine soaks into the turf system, naturally occurring bacteria break down the urea into ammonia. That ammonia is what produces the sharp, unpleasant smell that gets worse on hot days.

Standard infill materials do nothing to interrupt this process. Rubber infill is actually porous enough to trap urine, making the problem worse. Uncoated sand offers no biological defense at all.

Envirofill’s Microban technology is scientifically proven to disrupt the bacteria responsible for converting urine into ammonia. By attacking the source of the odor rather than trying to mask it, Envirofill provides lasting odor control that does not diminish over time. This is why Go Green Synthetic Turf pairs Envirofill with its PETMAXX product line, which features drainage rates exceeding 500 inches per hour combined with Microban-protected infill for the most effective pet turf system available. If you are evaluating pet turf options, infill choice is the single biggest factor in long-term odor control.

For households with dogs, the combination of fast-draining turf and antimicrobial infill is not optional. It is the difference between a backyard you can enjoy and one that makes you avoid going outside on warm afternoons.

Envirofill for Playgrounds and Family Spaces

Safety and cleanliness are non-negotiable for areas where children play. As covered in our synthetic turf playground safety guide, Envirofill is non-toxic, American-made, and does not contain the recycled tire components found in rubber infill. The antimicrobial protection inhibits bacteria, mold, and mildew growth within the turf system, creating a cleaner play surface.

Envirofill is also clean to the touch. It does not track into your home on shoes or bare feet the way rubber crumb does, and it will not stain clothing, skin, or pool water. For families with turf installed near pools, patios, or play structures, this is a significant practical advantage.

Maintaining Turf with Envirofill

One of the biggest advantages of Envirofill is how little maintenance it requires. Because the antimicrobial protection is permanent and the round granules resist compaction, Envirofill-filled turf systems stay cleaner and more functional with minimal effort.

Regular Maintenance

• Rinse pet areas weekly – A simple hose rinse flushes liquid waste through the turf and infill. The Microban coating handles bacterial control, so you do not need enzyme cleaners for routine maintenance
• Brush high-traffic areas monthly – A quick pass with a stiff broom redistributes infill that may have shifted and keeps turf fibers standing tall
• Remove debris regularly – Clear leaves, twigs, and organic matter that can trap moisture and create surface-level odor

What You Do NOT Need to Do

• You do not need to replace Envirofill seasonally or annually. The 16-year warranty covers the coating and color
• You do not need to add deodorizing agents or sprinkle baking soda on your turf. The antimicrobial technology handles odor prevention
• You do not need to till or aerate the infill. Round granules maintain their drainage properties without mechanical intervention

Envirofill and Turf Drainage

Turf drainage is where Envirofill’s round particle shape pays the biggest dividends over time. Angular infill materials like crushed silica sand gradually interlock and form a semi-solid layer that resists water penetration. This compaction worsens with foot traffic and weathering, leading to standing water, slow drainage, and turf systems that perform worse every year.

Envirofill granules maintain space between particles regardless of traffic or time. Water passes through the infill layer freely and reaches the turf backing where it can drain through to the subbase below. This consistent permeability is especially important for installations in regions with heavy rainfall or for pet areas where frequent rinsing is part of the maintenance routine.

Paired with a high-drainage turf product like Go Green’s AQUAMAXX line (which drains at over 600 inches per hour), Envirofill creates a system where water never has a chance to pool on the surface.

Is Envirofill Worth the Investment?

At $79.99 per 50-pound bag, Envirofill costs more upfront than rubber infill ($49.99 per 40-pound bag) or bulk silica sand. But the total cost of ownership tells a different story.

Rubber infill requires more frequent cleaning and deodorizing treatments, gets uncomfortably hot in direct sunlight, and may need partial replacement as it breaks down and migrates. Uncoated sand compacts and must be topped off or replaced to maintain proper drainage and fiber support. Zeolite saturates and loses its odor-absorbing capacity, requiring periodic replacement.

Envirofill is a set-it-and-forget-it infill backed by a 16-year warranty. When you factor in the cost of replacement infill, deodorizing products, and the time spent on extra maintenance with cheaper alternatives, Envirofill typically delivers lower total cost over the life of a turf installation.

For pet owners, the math is even more compelling. A single professional deodorizing treatment for pet turf can cost $100 to $300 per visit, and some homeowners find themselves scheduling these quarterly. Envirofill eliminates the need entirely.

Ready to upgrade your turf infill? Request a free quote from Go Green Synthetic Turf.

Frequently Asked Questions About Envirofill

Is Envirofill safe for pets and children?

Yes. Envirofill is non-toxic, lead-free, and manufactured in the United States under strict quality controls. The Microban antimicrobial technology used in Envirofill has been tested and certified for safety in consumer products for over 30 years. It is safe for direct contact with pets, children, and bare skin.

How long does Envirofill last?

Envirofill carries a 16-year warranty on its antimicrobial coating and color durability. In practice, Envirofill typically lasts the entire lifespan of the turf system it is installed in. Because the round granules do not break down, compact, or decompose the way organic or rubber infills can, you should not need to replace your infill during the life of your turf.

Can I add Envirofill to existing turf?

Yes. If your current turf was installed with a different infill type (or no infill at all), you can add Envirofill on top of or as a replacement for the existing material. For best results, remove as much of the old infill as possible using a turf vacuum or power broom before applying Envirofill. This ensures even coverage and allows the Microban technology to work throughout the infill layer.

Does Envirofill work with all turf products?

Envirofill is compatible with virtually all polyethylene and polypropylene synthetic turf products that call for sand-based infill. Note that some specialized turf products, like Go Green’s HEATMAXX SOFT nylon turf, are specifically designed to perform without any infill. Always check your turf manufacturer’s recommendations for infill compatibility.

Does the green color fade over time?

The emerald green color is part of the durable acrylic coating, not a surface paint. It is warranted against fading for 16 years. The color blends with green turf fibers, making the infill virtually invisible after installation.

Start Your Turf Project with the Right Infill

The infill you choose affects every aspect of your synthetic turf experience, from how it looks and feels to how it smells and drains. Envirofill’s combination of antimicrobial protection, drainage performance, and long-term durability makes it the clear choice for anyone who wants their turf investment to perform at its best for years to come.

Go Green Synthetic Turf carries both Envirofill mesh sizes alongside a full range of turf products engineered for specific applications, from pet-friendly PETMAXX systems to fast-draining AQUAMAXX installations. Whether you are a homeowner planning a backyard renovation or a contractor outfitting your next project, pairing the right turf with the right infill is the foundation of a successful installation.

Contact Go Green Synthetic Turf to discuss infill options for your project, or explore the full product catalog to find the turf and infill combination that fits your needs.